We make distinctions such as good vs. evil, God vs. the devil and ego vs. shadow because we feel in some way we lack completeness.

In our scramble for wholeness, anything that seems outside of or separate from our understanding of ourselves is often perceived as negative or demonic. Take a look at the word “devil.” It has both German and Greek origins and roughly translates as “diabolous,” which means “to pull apart and hurl” (dia-ballein). And this is how we feel whenever we find ourselves in rough patches—pulled apart and thrown in different directions.

Jung often called the process of using Awareness to bring unconsciousness to consciousness, “individuation.” It’s a process whereby we become more singular: whole, self-actualized, motivated and empowered to commune with Spirit and carry out its deeper wishes for our lives, without any prodding from outside influences.